Scaffolding Association announces new partnership with CHAS

The Scaffolding Association has partnered up with CHAS a provider of accreditation services that help businesses to achieve compliance, mitigate supply chain risks and support efficient supply chain management all under one roof. CHAS’s new Common Assessment Standard can review all aspects of a business’s risk management policies in a single annual audit. As one of the founders of Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP), CHAS is committed to setting health and safety benchmarks that drive industries forward and make the world of work a safer place. The partnership will enable Scaffolding Association members to receive a 20% discount on new CHAS accreditation applications and 10% discount on renewals of CHAS accreditations for members that are existing CHAS customers. Michelle Lee, Partnerships, Channel and Franchise Manager for CHAS, commented on the partnership: “As an authority and trusted advisor on health and safety compliance, CHAS is committed to the continuous improvement of health & safety standards in the UK. We’re delighted to be working with The Scaffolding Association, which demonstrates their commitment to managing health and safety effectively.” Stacey Underhill, Head of External Affairs at the Scaffolding Association, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to bring this partnership to our members and the associated benefits the partnership will bring. CHAS will enable our members to achieve SSIP compliance using one body, once per year. Joining CHAS will also provide our members with opportunities to access work by connecting them with leading organisations and clients.”

Chemicals plant scaffolders call off strike after pay victory

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Scaffolders employed by Altrad at the Mitsubishi Chemicals plant in Billingham, Teesside, have called off strike action after accepting a pay deal, Unite the union, said today. Around 35 scaffolders, insulators and painters, who all work at height at the battery electrolyte and acrylic base chemical plant, will benefit from a pay deal worth at least 10 per cent over two and a half years. The scaffolders who held strike action on the 4 November were being paid £12.06 an hour when the rate for their job under the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI) is £17.45 an hour. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “This is an excellent result for our members at Altrad in Billingham and shows what can be achieved when workers stand together in a union. “Unite now does exactly what it says on the trade union tin: fight to defend our members’ jobs, pay and conditions. The inflation-busting pay rise at Altrad, as well as similar victories at other workplaces across the country, shows this approach is paying dividends for Unite members.” The workers will each receive a £250 one-off payment in their December pay on top of a rise of 2.5 per cent from June 2021. From January 2022, scaffolders will receive a pay rise ranging from 6.5 per cent to 7.5 per cent, while other trades in the bargaining group will receive a 5 per cent increase. The annual leave for all workers will also increase from 22 days to 25, plus bank holidays. Rates at the beginning of January 2023 will increase by 2.5 per cent. Unite regional officer Neil Howells said: “All strikes have now been cancelled and Unite looks forward to working productively with Altrad and Mitsubishi in the future.” “The result at Altrad is another reminder that workers looking to improve their wages and T&Cs should join Unite and get their colleagues to do the same.”

CHAS announces new RAMS software powered by HandsHQ

CHAS, the supply chain risk management expert, has announced the launch of a new software product, CHAS RAMS. CHAS RAMS, powered by HandsHQ, will provide CHAS contractors with a web-based risk assessment and method statement (RAMS) solution. HandsHQ is the most trusted risk assessment platform for high-risk work, enabling users to create better RAMS in less time, anywhere and on any device, without the need for training or technical expertise. The cloud-based platform offers a broad library of risk and COSHH assessments covering all specialist contractor activities including electrical, plumbing, HVAC and more. In a matter of minutes, users can create customised risk assessments, tailored to each project. This new partnership reflects CHAS’ ambitious plans for growth and supports their strategic objective of improving standards of safety in the workplace. By offering customers a platform to create quick and easy project-specific RAMS, CHAS can provide even more innovative risk management support, while helping businesses meet the ever-increasing demand to demonstrate stringent quality, safety and environmental standards. Ian McKinnon, CHAS Managing Director, comments: “This exclusive arrangement with HandsHQ is the perfect addition to our existing suite of products, providing our customers with a straight-forward process for producing high-quality RAMS. We are also working towards enabling contractors to create and submit RAMS during the accreditation application or renewal process, further simplifying the CHAS accreditation experience.” Jamie Carruthers, CEO at HandsHQ, says: “We’re thrilled to be working with CHAS to power their new CHAS RAMS offering. We’re excited to help their fast growing member base create a safer work environment with our easy-to-use software which does away with the hassle of inconsistent Word documents.”

2021 NASC Awards Winners Revealed

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Some of the best, and most respected firms and members of the scaffolding and access community came together to celebrate in Wales on Friday for the NASC Annual Ball & Awards 2021. The glitzy and colourful annual event that was held this year at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, South Wales saw hundreds of industry members converge to celebrate the very best in the scaffolding and access industry. A champagne reception awaited guests on arrival to this year’s event, followed by a fine-dining three-course meal and live music. Special guest and surprise host for the event saw TV star and world-renowned comic Jimmy Carr take to the stage.
©Steve Pope / Fotowales
 

The Awards

Apprentice of the Year 2021

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  • City Access Scaffolding Ltd – Adam McLennan (Winner)
  • Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services UK Ltd T/A Lyndon SGB – Mark Davies (Runner up)
  • Connect Scaffolding Ltd – Harrison Witcomb
  • Rose System Scaffolding Ltd – James Harrison

Health & Safety 1-66 Employees

©Steve Pope / Fotowales
  • City Access Scaffolding Ltd (Winner)
  • Shield Environmental Services Ltd T/A Shield Services Group (Runner up)
  • CCS Scaffolding Ltd
  • Fred Champion Scaffolding Ltd

Health & Safety (67+ Employees)

©Steve Pope / Fotowales
  • Benchmark Scaffolding Ltd (Winner)
  • TRAD Scaffolding Co. Ltd (Runner up)
  • Actavo (UK) Ltd
  • Connect Scaffolding Ltd

Innovation of the Year

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  • Layher Ltd – Layher Allround AGS Façade System (Winner)
  • Bilfinger Salamis UK – Scaffold Portal (Runner up)
  • Connect Scaffolding Ltd – The Connect TW Clip
  • HAKI Ltd – HAKI BIM

NASC President’s Award

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  • Lyndon SGB – Ian Hines (Winner)
  • HAKI Ltd – Priscila Escobar (Runner up)
  • Apex Scaffolding (Exeter) Ltd – Robin Whatling
  • Millcroft Services Plc – Mike Wright

Project of the Year (Turnover up to £5m)

©Steve Pope / Fotowales
  • Crossway Scaffolding (Elland) Ltd – Saltburn Viaduct, North Yorkshire (Winner)
  • Rise Scaffolding Ltd – Oxburgh Hall, Norfolk (Runner up)
  • Midland Scaffolding Services Ltd – Selfridges, Birmingham (Highly Commended)
  • City Access Scaffolding Ltd – St Andrew’s House, Edinburgh
  • Connolly Scaffolding Ltd – The Liverpool Municipal Building
  • Tubes Scaffolding Ltd – Norwich City FC

Project of the Year (Turnover £5m+)

©Steve Pope / Fotowales
  • Denholm Industrial Services Ltd – Forth Rail Bridge (Winner)
  • Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services UK Ltd T/A Lyndon SGB – Manchester Town Hall (Runner up)
  • ALTRAD Services UK – Severn Trent Water, Trimpley (Highly Commended)
  • Barnet Scaffolding Services Ltd T/A JDC Scaffolding – Smithfield Meat Market, London
  • Connect Scaffolding Ltd – Station Square, London
  • Millcroft Services Plc – Space House, London

3t Energy Group strengthens leadership team with new appointment

Leading training and technology organisation, 3t Energy Group, has appointed a new director of strategic projects to support the business as it enters its next exciting growth period. Jill Ogilvie will work with the senior management team on a range of strategic initiatives to help 3t Energy Group cement its leading position in the global training sector and realise its ambition to transform training with technology. Jill is a graduate from the University of Dundee and has a wealth of experience in the training sector having worked for Petrofac Training Services since 2007. Initially starting as a training administrator whilst studying, Jill progressed to business development and customer care manager, eventually becoming operations director in 2020. Following the acquisition of Petrofac Training Services by 3t Energy Group in April 2021, Jill has been involved in integrating the business within the AIS Survivex brand. In her new role she will operate across all three companies in the 3t Energy Group as it looks to continue its global success story. She said: “I’m delighted to secure such an exciting new role within 3t Energy Group. The Group is a true disrupter and incredibly innovative so it’s fantastic to be working closely with the highly experienced senior management team. “All three businesses within 3t Energy Group are leaders in their own field and together they have an unrivalled offer combining cutting-edge technology, such as simulators, e-learning, virtual reality and integrated software, with traditional training methods, to deliver best-in-class solutions to industry challenges. I’m delighted to be part of this industry-leading team.” CEO of 3t Energy Group, Kevin Franklin, said: “Jill was the perfect choice for this new transformational role within the Group. She is a proven achiever with great business acumen, drive and energy. “This is an intense period of change for the energy sector as it looks to transition into renewables and embraces digital solutions and the 3t Energy Group is perfectly positioned to help businesses utilise technology to reduce carbon footprint and work smarter, safer and more efficiently.” 3t Energy Group combines the expertise of Drilling Systems, a world-leading provider of training technology to the oil and gas market, with the UK’s number one energy sector training provider, AIS Survivex and 3t Transform, market-leading technology provider for workforce development and learning.

SIMIAN to launch Layher CISRS Advanced Scaffolder course

Next year will see the introduction of the CISRS Advanced Layher Scaffolder course and qualification, it’s been confirmed.

UK Scaffolders are set to benefit in 2022 by learning advanced techniques and building complex structures with Layher the world’s bestselling and most widely used scaffolding system. The brand new 10-day training course will give existing scaffolders with a Layher Part Two card and Tube and Fitting Scaffolders who hold the Layher SSPTS endorsement the opportunity to progress their careers to a Level Three Advanced qualification. Scaffolding and health and safety training specialists SIMIAN are set to deliver the first pilot course at its Anglesey centre on 21 February 2022. The training structure which according to sources is still in development will focus on system-specific items, such as complex falsework systems, stairways, rolling roofs and advanced bridging systems. System scaffolding giants Layher UK, SIMIAN and CISRS have all worked in partnership to bring in and deliver the new and much-needed qualification. Learners must go on to complete a Level Three NVQ in Accessing Operations and Rigging and on completion of that SIMIAN say a two-day skills test is required to be awarded a CISRS Layher Advanced Scaffolder card. SIMIAN’s Operations Director, Dave Randles said: “It’s a real honour to be involved in this very important initiative. There have been several barriers to overcome to get the Layher Advanced course moving, and included in that is the sheer amount of floor space that a course of this nature involves. It’s testimony to the persistence and determination of all involved that we are now ready to launch what will become another fantastic addition to our CISRS training portfolio, and we look forward to offering the Layher Advanced course at other locations.”
“This course will become the template for Advanced Systems training”
Layher CISRS Advanced
Stock photo / Credit: Scaffmag
CISRS Training Manager, Dave Mosley said: “Systems scaffold was introduced to the scheme in 2007, so this has been a long time coming. System scaffolding is widely used around the UK and as such, it is only right that those working with it should be able to get qualified to the highest level. This course will become the template for Advanced Systems training and we have several other manufacturers very keen to develop and launch their own programmes in the near future.” Sean Pike, MD of Layher UK said: “As the world’s leading supplier of system scaffolding, we are delighted to provide a CISRS Advanced course to the UK market. The Layher Allround system is continually evolving, so it’s important that the training that supports the needs of our customers continues to do the same. I would like to thank SIMIAN and CISRS for their involvement in getting the Advanced course off the ground, and we look forward to the pilot course at Anglesey being the first of many level three courses, as we explore new ways of adding value to our customers’ investment in our products and their wider operations, as well as to the wider scaffolding and construction industries in general.”

New scaffolding training centre opens in the North West

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New scaffolding training provider Richmond Bright has gained CISRS accreditation for its facility in Birkenhead. CISRS say they recently carried out its accreditation at the centre that is situated in the North West alongside the Mersey River with the spectacular Liverpool waterfront opposite. Richmond Bright have facilities that are modern, welcoming and convey a friendly and professional environment, in which to deliver CISRS courses. According to CISRS, the centre has gained accreditation to deliver CISRS COTS, Basic Scaffold Inspection, Supervisor and Scaffold Awareness. Level 2 & Level 3 NVQ in Accessing Operations and Rigging is also offered by the centre. Steve Odger, Richmond Bright’s Director and Scaffold Instructor who’s been in the scaffolding industry for 40 years said: “Adding scaffolding training to Richmond Bright’s suite of courses and becoming an accredited CISRS Scaffolding training centre has been a goal of ours from the first discussions on what Richmond Bright could offer the construction sector, and in particular the scaffolding and access industry.   “This is the first step in our plans for CISRS Scaffolding training and we look forward to progressing those plans in the future and working with CISRS to provide a quality, reliable, responsive training experience for the access sector.” CISRS Auditor Trevor Donoghue added: “Steve has gained a lot of experience of the CISRS programmes over the years as an instructor, a member of ASITO and in particular his role on the CISRS Standardisation Working Party. We wish him and Richmond Bright every success with this new venture.”

HSE calls for ‘culture change’ with campaign to tackle mental health

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned that work-related stress and poor mental health risks becoming a health and safety crisis in Great Britain. According to the regulator, mental health issues are the number one reason given for sick days in the UK. Last year more than 17 million working days were lost as a result of stress, anxiety, or depression. In response, the HSE is launching its new campaign, ‘Working Minds’, at its Health and Work Conference, which examines issues relating to health at work. ‘Working Minds’ campaign aims to help small businesses recognise the signs of work-related stress and make tackling issues routine. The HSE is calling for a culture change across Britain’s workplaces, to ensure psychological risks are treated the same as physical ones in health and safety risk management. Sarah Albon, chief executive of the HSE said: “Work-related stress and poor mental health should be treated with the same significance as risks of poor physical health and injury. In terms of the affect it has on workers, significant and long-term stress can limit performance and impact personal lives. “No worker should suffer in silence and if we don’t act now to improve workers’ mental health, this could evolve into a health and safety crisis. “The pandemic has highlighted the need to protect the health of employees who have faced unprecedented challenges; the Government is committed to building back better and we want to make sure good mental health is central to this.” HSE is reminding businesses that no matter where people work, employers have a legal duty to assess the risks in the workplace, not just in terms of potential hazards and physical safety. Sarah Albon added: “Our campaign is focused on giving employers a clear reminder of their duties while championing reducing work-related stress and promoting good mental health at work.” Employers and workers wanting to know more about the Working Minds campaign, including the legal obligations, advice, and tools available, should visit: workright.campaign.gov.uk/campaigns/workingminds.

Stay safe on-site this winter

Winter is on the horizon and if recent years have taught us anything, we must prepare for the unexpected in terms of weather.  Undoubtedly, there are more hazards on-site during the winter season. We’re being subjected to more storms and larger quantities of rain, and there is an ever-present risk of freezing temperatures, snow and ice. Taking the right precautions is essential to successfully enable workers to carry out their work safely. Much progress has been made in our journey towards improved site safety. But it’s also clear that, as an industry, there’s more to be done. According to the Health & Safety Executive, there were 81,000 workers who suffered from work-related injuries in 2020, and sadly, 40 fatal injuries. This represented a slight increase on the yearly average. Worker safety and comfort has never been more important and every tradesperson needs to get home safely at the end of the working day. That’s why we’ve put together the following handy suggestions to help prepare you and your worksite for the colder weather. Wind and rain protection If you’re working on a scaffold in winter, it’s likely you’ll be exposed to some quite unsavoury conditions from time to time. Heavy-duty scaffold sheeting does a fantastic job of keeping out the wind and rain, helping you focus on the task at hand. Our recommendation: BIGBEN® Superclad® Eco Flame Retardant Premium Scaffold Sheeting  Premium by name, premium by nature… this is top quality scaffold sheeting. It does a superb job of protecting workers in poor weather. It’s flame retardant too and approved to EN13501-1, meaning you can rest assured this scaffold sheeting will reduce the threat of fires spreading. Furthermore, it’s recyclable. This is crucial as businesses like yours begin the shift to a more sustainable way of operating. Eco-friendly scaffold sheeting is the perfect way to protect people, projects and planet. Stop the drop! Tether your tools Cold, wet, and numb hands could increase the likelihood of dropping your tools, and the results can be catastrophic. Of course, accidents happen, but the right preparation can ensure even if you do drop a tool, no one else will pay the price. Tool tethering ensures you’re attached to the tools you’re using, protecting those around you from that free-falling spanner. Our recommendation: BIGBEN® Scaffolders Deluxe Tool Safety Belt comes with Tethered Scaffold Tool set This safety belt is a deluxe piece of kit. Complete with a premium set of tools including the BIGBEN Induction Magnetic Level and IMN Safety Ring Box 7/16” Spanner with Poker Handle, each tool is accompanied with high-quality corresponding frogs and tethers. We call this safer scaffolding. Ultimate hand safety Speaking of cold hands… proper hand protection is vital. We can all relate to the feeling of freezing hands. A good pair of gloves protects them during everyday tasks and keeps them warm. But you need to do be able to do the job well too. You need to keep your hands warm, and have ample dexterity. If you must take off your gloves to carry out the work, then you’ve probably got the wrong pair. Our recommendation: Koolgrip II Thermal Work Gloves They are long lasting gloves that ensure warmth, durability and safety all day. They are also EN388:2016 Certified, meaning they are proven to protect against mechanical risks such as abrasions, cuts and impacts. This is a really strong pair of gloves that perform superbly in both wet and dry conditions, with excellent insulating capacities to keep hands warm in cold environments. Keep your scaffold boards in place When stormy weather blows in, the last thing you need is unsecured scaffold boards that become displaced. This is extremely hazardous and could result in a board dislodging and striking fellow workers, or misplaced footing causing falls and trips. A good set of board clamps will ensure your scaffold boards remain in place during the bad weather. Our recommendation: Board Retaining Clamps Scaffold boards can be quickly and securely locked in the correct position with these Board Retaining Clamps. With considerable resistance to both lateral and upward movement, we highly recommended their use in wintery conditions. Be seen, keep warm, stay dry The wrong attire can result in productivity plummeting. When visibility is low and the cold sweeps in, not only is it important you’re highly visible to reduce the risk of being struck by moving vehicles, but you need to stay warm and dry too. A good hi-vis jacket is perfect to help you achieve this. The more comfortable the worker, the easier it is to do the job. Our recommendation: BIGBEN® Hi-Vis Waterproof Winter Jacket The BIGBEN Hi-Vis Waterproof Jacket is stylish, functional and ensures you’ll stand out from the crowd. This jacket is of premium quality and includes many outstanding features, such as the new Insulatex heat reflective lining panel which reflects heat back into the body ensuring maximum warmth and comfort. It’s a must have for your winter workwear wardrobe. Don’t forget your feet! Winter footwear must offer great protection, but also be durable and comfortable. A decent pair of safety boots will improve productivity as you’ll feel better on your feet for longer. During the winter, you’ll want to stop the cold setting in too so you’ll need something fully waterproof and insulated. Our recommendation: Caiman Waterproof Safety Boots The Caiman is a stand-out choice here. This boot is waterproof and breathable. Its lightweight composite midsole and toecap make the Caiman incredibly light and comfortable, helping reduce wearer fatigue. It’s also fully waterproof with a bellows tongue and waterproof lining to ensure breathability. Let’s make scaffolding safer this winter Working on scaffold sites is incredibly dangerous in the winter months. It’s important workers are prepared for the weather, and that businesses put safety at the core of their operations by implementing strict safety precautions. Our aim is to keep you safe and help reduce the number of injuries on site this winter. So, stay safe out there, and if you need support to prepare for winter, visit www.leachs.com or give our friendly team a call and we’ll be happy to advise on a bespoke range for your needs. Call +44 (0)1432 346 890 today.

TRAD UK launches Hybrid System for TradDeck

First of its kind to come to market, the fully-integrated steel and plastic system offers comprehensive protection for fall prevention. The TRAD Group (TRAD), which is one of the UK’s leading scaffolding and access companies, has launched its latest addition to its TradDeck system. The hybrid scaffolding connector is designed to allow the system to adapt to using a 48.3mm (OD) steel scaffold tube as a leg. TRAD has a long history of innovation. It was the first company to offer an adjustable decking solution to the market, and has continued to develop the product to maintain its position as a market-leading system. The company says that this latest development further extends the flexibility of the system, whilst maintaining site safety and cost-effective equipment. “This new addition to our TradDeck offering gives our customers a greater flexibility to adapt the TRAD safety deck to suit their site requirements,” says Alex Ackers, Regional Manager at TRAD UK. “I’m pleased have been working with the development team over the last few months to bring to market a product that can really change the way sites and scaffolders use our system. Always at the forefront of design and innovation, this development really sets our product apart from the competition while maintaining the TRAD brand as the go-to name for quality.” The TRAD Group, has launched its latest addition to its TradDeck system. The hybrid scaffolding connector is designed to allow the system.. The new hybrid system has been designed for use with standard scaffold or key clamp fittings and is fully compatible with scaffold jacks or base plates. It allows for the option to mix steel and plastic legs, offering complete flexibility to decking design and erection, and is a free-standing system solution using corner bays, with a range of bay configurations to suit varying room sizes. The hybrid system is also fully compatible with existing base and head units and conforms to load class 3 of BS EN12811-1 “In our 50th year of trading, we are as committed as ever to design and innovation at TRAD,” comments Des Moore, CEO at TRAD Group. “We have more exciting new products to launch during the coming months and have every intention of living up to our long-standing reputation for bringing modern, improved products to the scaffolding market.” You can buy or hire the new hybrid system from any of TRAD UK’s six depots around the UK – Glasgow, Leeds, Stockport, Birmingham, Andover and London. Click to find out more about the new hybrid system.